Maggie Smith through the years

Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, during filming of Season 3 of the hit period drama "Downton Abbey." Here's a look back at the British actress' lengthy career.

Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, during filming of Season 3 of the hit period drama "Downton Abbey." Here's a look back at the British actress' lengthy career. (Matthew Lloyd / For the Times)